Beijing declares success in clearing the air

Transportation sector

The transportation sector has made a significant contribution to helping the capital reach national standards for air quality.

He Hongtao, 38, a Beijing engineer who had driven to work since 2008, when he started his career after graduation, switched to the subway in 2014.

"I remember there were several sandstorms in 2013, when the city government encouraged the public to use public transportation instead of driving, in order to cut emissions," he said.

"Due to the smog, many people complained about the air quality and even moved out of Beijing to a better environment.

"I was thinking that instead of complaining, I would rather do something to help solve the problem, so I decided to take the subway to work. I only drove during weekends, when I needed to take the whole family out."

Gradually, this became second nature, and He plans to stick to this routine.

"It's not a big deal for one person, but when millions of people do the same, it makes a big difference," He said.

To meet demand and provide a better service for the public, Beijing's transportation authority has been upgrading the subway network for years.

Wu Shijiang, deputy head of the city's transport commission, said the capital has built and will continue to provide a convenient and green public transportation network to protect the environment and reduce emissions.

By the end of last year, nine new subway lines or extensions had been put into operation, giving the public more transportation options, rather than driving. The total length of the city's subway lines has reached 783 kilometers.

The municipal government has also improved cycle lanes for commuters.

According to the transportation authority, green travel is the most popular among Beijing residents, as it has cut emissions in the sector from source.

To reduce carbon emissions, the city's residents have been encouraged in recent years to use new energy vehicles, with drivers of such cars being offered numerous preferential policies.

By 2020, there were 400,000 new energy vehicles in Beijing, and the number was rising by about 70,000 annually. According to the municipal government's plan, there will be 2 million such vehicles in the city by 2025, which will further improve air quality.